Chaitya Paripati And Ahmedabad Of Early Seventeenth Century

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Chaitya Paripati and Ahmedabad of Early Seventeenth Century" by Prof. R. N. Mehta:

The paper by Prof. R. N. Mehta explores the historical significance of Jain "Caitya Paripati" (a descriptive list or guide of Jain temples) as a valuable source for understanding the history and settlements of cities, particularly focusing on Ahmedabad in the early seventeenth century.

Inspiration and Methodology: Mehta begins by referencing the use of Chinese pilgrim records like Xuanzang's Si-ju-ki by 19th-century scholars for studying Buddhist settlements. He notes that while there was initial skepticism about Indian "Tirthayātrā" (pilgrimage) records, studies have since validated their factual nature, even those rooted in Paurānic traditions. Encouraged by this, Mehta then turned to Jain records.

The Lalitasāgara Caitya Paripāṭi: The core of the paper revolves around a Jain "Caitya Paripāṭi" written in Samvat 1667 (corresponding to the early 17th century) by Lalitasāgara, a disciple of Gayāsāgara Sūri. This manuscript, preserved at the L. D. Institute of Indology, was brought to Mehta's attention by Laxamanabhai Bhojaka, who assisted in its transcription and identification of places. This "Paripāṭi" was crucial for a study on the History of Ahmedabad undertaken by Gujarat Vidyapith.

Key Findings from the "Paripāṭi":

• Temple Count and Distribution: The text details the presence of numerous Jain temples in Ahmedabad. It states that there were sixty temples within the city and twelve underground temples. In the suburban areas, the "Paripāṭi" notes thirty-two temples, six underground ones, and thirty-eight "Bhuvanas" (likely referring to various types of religious structures or residences).
• Geographical Locations: The "Paripāṭi" provides specific locations of these temples, starting with the Mahāvira temple near Fatah Mehta Pole (identified as the present Mahāvira temple on Gandhi road near Patasā ni Pole). It then lists various areas within the city, including: Dosiwādā, Pataki Joga Gadhi, Hājā Patel ni Pole, Timla Pada, Pataka Raja Mehta, Sanghavi Kalani Pole, Pataka Dhānā Suthar, Patak Jamalpur, Patak Devasi Saha, Panjari pole, Patak Kothari, Patak Ksetrapāla, Ghachi ni Pole, Patak Gajipur, and Jalalpur.
• Suburban Areas: The suburban areas mentioned include: Asaul, Elampur, Navapura, Rajpur, Premapur, Sarangpur, Rupapari, Kalupur, Doshi Jasa ni Pole, Dhana Mehta ni Pole, Bibipur, Habadipur, Sakandrapur, Najampur, Baghinpur, Raktapur, and Naroda.
• Western Suburbs: The suburbs on the western side of the Sabarmati River are also noted: Vadijapur, Kashampur, Usmanpur, Vajirpur, Shekhpur, Maedalpur, and Kochab.
• Structure of the Text: The "Paripāṭi" is composed of fifty-five units of Gujarati verse, with the final verse serving as a colophon, providing information about the author and the period of composition.

Significance and Comments:

• Historical Source: The "Paripāṭi" is deemed an important document for studying Jain temples, their icons, and the general history of Ahmedabad.
• Continuity of Mahāvira Temple: The Mahāvira temple mentioned in the text is confirmed to exist at the same location, though its original wooden structure was replaced by a stone one in the late 19th century. This raises questions about potential renovations during the period of Jahangir's rule, when the "Paripāṭi" was composed.
• Urban Analysis: The "Paripāṭi" offers insights into the urban structure of Ahmedabad, identifying Jain community centers. It supports the understanding that the administrative and religious core of the Sultanate period extended from Bhadra to the Jami Mosque. The Jain nucleus, according to the "Paripāṭi," was primarily in areas like Fatah Mehta Pole and Zawari ni Pole, a situation that has remained consistent over centuries.
• Continuity and Change in Suburbs: The study of suburban areas reveals both continuity and change. While some areas like Vadaj and Usmanpur still exist, others like Kashimpur and Vajirpur have disappeared or changed their usage. Similarly, some pilgrimage sites have also vanished over time.
• Growth of Jain Tirthas: By comparing Lalitasāgara's "Paripāṭi" with a more recent one from Samvat 2035 (1978 AD), which lists 136 temples, 67 associated temples, and 106 house temples, Mehta highlights a significant growth in Jain religious structures, nearly tripling within the period.

Conclusions:

Mehta concludes that "Caitya Paripāṭi" texts, like those from Lalitasāgara and Paurānic "Sthala Purāṇas," are invaluable repositories of tradition and history. When dated, they are as effective as the diaries of Chinese travelers and other travelogues, but often provide more detailed information about specific pilgrimage sites. He also emphasizes that even anonymous and undated "Tirthayātra" literature can be effective historical sources after rigorous chronological analysis.

In essence, the paper demonstrates how a Jain "Caitya Paripāṭi" from the early 17th century serves as a vital primary source for understanding the religious landscape, urban development, and community life of Ahmedabad, offering a detailed glimpse into the past that complements other historical records.